Abhinandan''s lookalike features in IAF mobile game

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, July 31

Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Wednesday launched the upgraded 3D Air Combat Mobile Game “Indian Air Force: A Cut Above”.

The first phase of the game (Single Player campaign) was launched today and the second phase (Multi Player campaign) will be launched during Air Force Day Celebrations in October. The game is available on Android, IOS platforms and can be downloaded from the respective play stores.

The video game also features a lookalike of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was captured by Pakistan Army and released later after his fighter jet crashed in an air duel with a Pakistani F-16. 

Besides the game, the IAF is part of the Facilitation-cum Publicity Pavilion (FCP) at the National Bal Bhavan. 

The FCP is an endeavour to connect to more than 7.5 lakh children that visit the Bal Bhavan annually. Union Minister of Human Resource Development Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the FCP. 

It is a unique technologically advanced set-up which has been conceptualised on the premise of “look and feel” norm for tender aged children of Classes IV-X to connect to the IAF. It broadly comprises a Flying Simulator, a self-interactive career information kiosk wherein the child can navigate amongst branch wise career prospects, a selfie point with fore drop of pilots in G-suit and flying overall, mannequins with flying and special clothing, LED display running video of various operations and exercises showcasing the might of IAF, miniature models of IAF aircraft, digital flexes, etc.

The mobile application would highlight various missions and air combat scenarios undertaken by the IAF in an appealing manner, so as to help immerse the player in a game with a “having been there” sensation.